Garden Fresh Bacon-Fried Tomatoes
This cherished family recipe has been a summer staple since my mom's childhood, celebrating the unparalleled flavor of New Jersey tomatoes. With bacon grease as its secret ingredient, this dish captures the essence of summer with its crispy, savory coating and fresh, juicy tomatoes. Perfect as a side dish or a delectable snack, these tomatoes offer a nostalgic, comforting crunch. When Jersey tomatoes aren't available, sub them with heirloom varieties for an equally delightful experience.
5
Servings
410
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
3-4 lbs (Cook and save the grease; consume the bacon separately)
jersey tomatoes
4 (Sliced; use heirloom tomatoes when out of season)
egg
1 (Beaten)
milk
2 tablespoons (Mixed with egg)
salt
to taste (Season egg mixture)
pepper
to taste (Season egg mixture)
breadcrumbs
2 cups (For coating)
Instructions
1
In a bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, a pinch of salt, and some pepper until well combined.
2
Set up a breading station: one bowl with the egg mixture and another with breadcrumbs.
3
Heat a large skillet over medium heat, adding enough bacon grease to fully coat the bottom of the pan.
4
Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, and then coat completely with breadcrumbs.
5
Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the skillet, frying them on each side until golden brown, approximately 2-3 minutes per side.
6
Ensure the pan has enough bacon grease throughout the process by adding more as needed between batches.
7
Remove the fried tomatoes from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease.
8
Repeat the process with all remaining tomato slices.
9
For a variation, omit the egg and breadcrumb coating, and instead, dredge tomato slices in flour before frying for a simpler yet flavorful option inspired by my mom’s preference.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
24g
Carbs
12
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Garden Fresh Bacon-Fried Tomatoes?
They are a cherished summer family recipe from New Jersey featuring tomatoes fried in bacon grease with a breadcrumb coating.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields approximately 5 servings.
What is the secret ingredient in these fried tomatoes?
The secret ingredient that provides the signature flavor is bacon grease.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends New Jersey tomatoes, but heirloom varieties can be used as a substitute when they are out of season.
How many calories are in a single serving?
Each serving contains approximately 410 calories.
How much fat is in this recipe per serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
What is the protein content of the fried tomatoes?
Each serving contains 12 grams of protein.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 24 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many tomatoes do I need for this recipe?
You will need 4 large Jersey or heirloom tomatoes.
How much bacon grease is required?
You should cook 3 to 4 lbs of bacon to yield enough grease to fully coat the bottom of a large skillet.
What ingredients are used in the egg wash?
The egg wash consists of one beaten egg, two tablespoons of milk, a pinch of salt, and pepper to taste.
How many breadcrumbs are needed for the coating?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of breadcrumbs for the coating.
What is the breading process for the tomatoes?
Dip each tomato slice into the egg mixture first, then coat them completely with breadcrumbs.
How long should I fry the tomatoes?
Fry the breaded slices for approximately 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown.
What heat setting should I use for frying?
A large skillet should be heated over medium heat.
Should I drain the tomatoes after frying?
Yes, remove the tomatoes from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain excess grease.
Is there a simpler way to coat the tomatoes?
Yes, you can omit the egg and breadcrumbs and instead dredge the tomato slices in flour before frying.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It offers a savory, crispy coating with a fresh and juicy tomato interior.
What category of dish is this?
This recipe is categorized as a Vegetable dish.
Can I add more bacon grease while cooking?
Yes, you should add more bacon grease as needed between batches to ensure the pan stays coated.
Are there any fiber or sugar details available?
No, fiber and sugar content data are not specified for this recipe.
What should I do with the 3-4 lbs of bacon?
The bacon should be cooked to harvest the grease, but it can be consumed separately.
Is this recipe considered a side dish or a snack?
It is versatile and can be served as either a side dish or a snack.
What is the origin of this recipe?
It is a nostalgic family recipe passed down from the creator's mother.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 7 primary ingredients: bacon, tomatoes, egg, milk, salt, pepper, and breadcrumbs.
Can I use salt and pepper to taste?
Yes, salt and pepper are added to the egg mixture according to your preference.
What texture should the breaded coating have?
The breaded coating should be fried until it achieves a comforting crunch and a golden brown color.
How should I prepare the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be sliced before starting the breading and frying process.
Does this recipe include cholesterol or sodium information?
No, cholesterol and sodium information are not provided in the nutritional facts.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Yes, it is specifically described as a summer staple that celebrates the flavor of fresh seasonal tomatoes.